Bhuvneshwar Kumar played down concerns surrounding India’s 30-run defeat to South Africa in the opening Test at the Eden Gardens, urging to focus on the wider context rather than the spin-friendly pitch. Despite failing to chase down a modest target of 124 and succumbing inside three days, Kumar described questions over the surface as misplaced and stressed that such wickets have long been a feature of Indian cricket.
India’s loss drew comparisons with last year’s 0-3 series defeat to New Zealand, where spin also played a crucial role. South Africa’s bowlers took advantage of the conditions to hand India a rare home defeat. However, Kumar emphasized that winning and losing are part of sports and mentioned that no questions were raised when India won on such pitches.
“This is not the first time a spin-friendly track has been prepared. No one raised the issue (earlier) because India was winning. And winning and losing is part of the game,” Bhuvneshwar was quoted as saying by PTI.
Reflecting on the result, Kumar added, “It’s not like the team hasn’t lost before or lost for the first time. I don’t think it (defeat) is a big concern for me,” underscoring the need for perspective after the home loss.
The focal point after the loss was the selection of four spinners: Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar. Kumar defended the decision, noting that it suited the pitch: “The way the wicket was set up, we all know the requirement was for four spinners (Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar). We had some good spinners, it was a turn and the way the match was going, it was a good decision to play (four) spinners,” he said.
Skipper Shubman Gill’s absence due to a neck injury was a blow to the Indian side, but Kumar refrained from speculating on Gill’s workload. He noted: “Gill recently became captain. If he wanted to, he would speak for himself. He’s part of the think tank, the decision-making, so if he really needs a rest, he’ll say he needs a rest. Mentally and physically, he’s in a position to say that.”
As the Indian Premier League approaches, Kumar was also asked about the Royal Challengers Bangalore players rallying after the tragic crowd at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. He hinted that the team’s mindset will be addressed when the IPL camp starts: “There are so many tournaments before the IPL camp, so when the IPL camp starts, a lot of things will be discussed then and what is the mood of the team… and what is going on.”
Kumar emphasized the importance of players’ form and preparation leading up to the IPL, adding, “A lot will depend on how the players do in the pre-IPL tournaments and how the players enter the IPL, so all those things will matter.” The aftermath of the crowd stampede in which eleven people lost their lives left a big stain on RCB’s historic maiden IPL triumph.
– The end
Issued by:
Rishabh Beniwal
Published on:
November 18, 2025
